Russell McVeagh has been named a finalist for three top awards ahead of the 2024 Chambers Asia-Pacific and Greater China Region Awards, including for:
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Diversity & Inclusion Outstanding Contribution Award APAC: partner and recent Board Chair Allison Arthur-Young is the only New Zealand finalist named in this category which recognises outstanding commitment across multiple strands of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession;
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Pro Bono Outstanding Firm APAC: led by Pro Bono Committee co-chairs Jesse Fairley and Tim Clarke, our team's work is highlighted for the breadth, commitment and impact of the firm's pro bono programme in supporting communities across Aotearoa New Zealand; and
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New Zealand Law Firm of the Year: which Russell McVeagh won last year.
These prestigious awards recognise a law firm’s pre-eminence in the region and reflect achievements over the past 12 months including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth, and excellence in client service.
Pro Bono
Pro bono is a core component of Russell McVeagh's business and culture, and the firm has a long history of directing its skills and resources towards making a difference in the wider community of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Working with a wide range of community partners and pro bono clients, Russell McVeagh works to help to widen access to justice, education, a healthy environment, and sustainable economic opportunities. Some of Russell McVeagh's pro bono clients include:
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Community Law Centres
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Coralus (formerly known as SheEO)
Diversity and Inclusion
Partner and recent Board Chair (until her term ended in March 2023), Allison Arthur-Young has been driving a more inclusive and diverse working environment at Russell McVeagh, and in the wider legal profession, having played a pivotal role in Russell McVeagh's culture journey and refreshed D&I strategies. In 2023 the firm released its ESG Overview and Pro Bono Overview, which highlights the firm's progress and objectives across these areas.
Known for her 'big picture' outlook, Allison is dedicated to ensuring Russell McVeagh's values of excellence, tenacity, respect and curiosity remain at the centre of what we do.
Recent highlights from the refreshed D&I work programme include:
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Pay Equity monitoring and internal and external reporting, including signing up to Mind the Gap, NZ's public monitoring and reporting registry of gender and ethnicity pay gaps.
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Gained Advanced status Gender Tick accreditation in 2023 – a first for a NZ law firm.
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A refreshed Parental Leave policy and increased support for parents.
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Support for Flexible working.
The Award winners will be announced at the Chambers Asia-Pacific and Greater China Region Awards in Hong Kong in May 2024.